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Hunker describes a do-it-yourself compost enclosure built by stacking roughly 30 to 35 concrete blocks without mortar. The open-front design allows access to turn and check compost, while gaps or block cavities can provide airflow; cost, site suitability and long-term performance depend on the materials and setup.
Hunker has outlined a mortar-free compost enclosure made from about 30 to 35 concrete blocks, offering gardeners a reusable alternative to a purchased bin or lighter do-it-yourself structures. The design leaves the front open for adding material, turning the pile and checking its condition.
The plan uses blocks to form a back wall and two side walls, with no fourth wall. Hunker says to start with a row of four to five blocks for the back and build side walls to a preferred width. Additional rows are stacked to raise the walls, with the back reaching about four rows and the sides able to taper toward the front.
The article recommends staggering the blocks rather than aligning every joint. It also describes orienting the hollow sides toward the inside, or leaving spaces between blocks, to allow air into the pile. Hunker presents airflow as useful for aerobic decomposition, but the supplied report does not provide measurements comparing this design with other composting systems.
For sourcing, the report suggests checking local online listings, construction sites, junk haulers and Habitat ReStores for used or free blocks. It also cites new 8-by-8-by-16-inch blocks at Home Depot for less than $3 each at the time of its reporting. That price may change and does not establish the total project cost, which depends on block availability, size and delivery.
A Sturdier Enclosure for Backyard Compost
The design gives gardeners another way to contain yard and food scraps without buying a purpose-made bin. Concrete blocks can be reused and rearranged, and the open front makes the pile accessible for routine tasks. That may appeal to people who already have blocks or can find them locally at low cost.
The practical trade-off is that blocks are heavy and occupy a fixed footprint once stacked. The project also requires a suitable, stable location and enough material to build walls of useful height. Hunker describes the structure as durable, but the article does not provide a tested lifespan or confirm that every arrangement will remain stable under all site conditions.
8 x 8 x 16 inch concrete cinder blocks
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How the Block Layout Works
Backyard composting relies on managing organic material as it breaks down. Hunker frames the enclosure as a way to keep a pile in one place while allowing access to add and turn material. Unlike a closed bin, the described structure has three walls and an open front, so users can reach the pile directly.
The report compares the block option with do-it-yourself containers made from materials such as wood pallets, cardboard, plastic buckets and bags. Its central distinction is construction: the blocks are stacked without mortar, and their cavities or spacing can leave openings for air. The article says a single enclosure can be assembled in less than a day, but that is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion time for every builder.
““you’ll just need some concrete blocks””
— Hunker
Site Conditions and Costs Vary
The supplied report does not specify a required foundation, exact dimensions, a block count for every enclosure size, or testing of the structure’s stability over time. It also gives no comparative data on how quickly compost breaks down in a block enclosure versus a conventional bin. Performance will depend on the pile and its upkeep, as well as airflow, moisture and materials, but the article does not quantify those factors.
The cited block price is a point-in-time example, not a current price guarantee. Local availability, transport costs and the condition of reclaimed blocks remain uncertain. The report also does not address local rules or whether a particular location is appropriate for a compost pile.
Check Materials Before Building
People considering the design can first measure the intended site and estimate how many blocks they need, then compare local reclaimed options with current retail prices. Before stacking, they should check that the ground is firm and level and inspect used blocks for damage. The front should remain accessible, and the arrangement should preserve openings for air as described in the report.
Hunker’s article does not identify a follow-up test or a scheduled update. The next practical step for a gardener is to build to the available space and materials, monitor the pile, and adjust its care as needed; the source does not promise a specific composting timeline or outcome.
Key Questions
How many concrete blocks does the design use?
Hunker estimates about 30 to 35 blocks for one enclosure. The exact number will vary with the width and height chosen.
Does the compost bin need mortar?
No. The report describes stacking the blocks without mortar and recommends staggering them for added stability. It does not provide a structural guarantee for every site or layout.
Why leave the front open?
The open front allows the gardener to add material, turn the pile and check its temperature, according to Hunker.
Where can gardeners find blocks?
The article suggests local online listings, construction sites, junk haulers and Habitat ReStores. Retail pricing and availability vary, and its cited price of less than $3 per new block may no longer apply.
Does the block design make compost faster?
Hunker says block cavities or gaps can allow airflow needed by aerobic bacteria. The supplied report offers no comparative test or measured timeline, so it does not establish how much faster this design composts than other systems.
Source: rss
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